Yesterday, Google released ChromeOS M138 to stable and is now available to download. Contrary to previous ChromeOS updates there were a couple of features I found to be fairly exciting. Now, this may be the case since I am still rocking a non Chromebook Plus device. With that being said, Select to search and Text capture is that standout feature for me. Select to search and Text capture allows you to select an image or text to get more information about it without leaving where you are. Think Circle to Search on Android devices. To invoke the Select to search and Text capture feature tap and hold on the launcher icon or select the launcher icon and tap on the Google Lens icon on the top right next to the Gemini icon. From there, whatever you select to search will appear on the opposite side of your search. You can also copy text if selected. Pretty useful feature. Check out what else is new in this ChromeOS release.
ChromeOS freeform wallpapers
As early as ChromeOS 138, freeform wallpapers offer an open input field that empowers users to express their individuality, creativity, and passions by turning their background into a personal canvas. Users can generate wallpapers by inputting different prompts in the text field, or use the Inspire me feature, which will generate random prompts and wallpapers until you find one you like. This feature is available on Chromebook Plus devices only. For more information, see Wallpaper settings.
Help me read on ChromeOS
As early as ChromeOS 138, Help me read on ChromeOS provides an Al-powered solution to help you quickly understand text information written in verbose and convoluted language or with jargon. Select a piece of text and right-click on it to reveal the simplify button that can give you a straightforward version of the source, which can be digested at a glance.
This feature is available on Chromebook Plus devices only. For more details, see Chrome - Generative Al features and policies.
ChromeOS desk sync
Starting from ChromeOS 138, ChromeOS desk sync helps users quickly pick up from where they left off when switching to another device. Desk sync restores all windows, tabs, and even cookies from the previous session to allow for a seamless transition. The feature is enabled in the ChromeOS user settings under Desk sync, and can be skipped by the user if desired. Desk sync is particularly useful for shared devices and frontline workers in healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing settings.
Select-to-search and Text capture
Get more information about anything on your screen by visually searching with Lens or copying text directly from images. To start, click the Lens icon in Launcher and select a region on your screen. Learn more about how to access Select-to-Search and Text capture here.
Accessibility updates
In ChromeOS 138, we've focused on refining the accessibility experience by addressing several key issues to improve usability and conformance.
Resolved issues:
Incorrect Heading Levels: The Wallpaper and style page now uses correct heading levels, improving navigation for screen reader users.
Gallery App Date Announcement: ChromeVox now accurately announces date information when browsing the Google Photos image list within the Gallery App.
Gallery App - px Unit Announcement: To provide clearer context, the px unit is now announced by ChromeVox when navigating Width and Height fields for image rescaling in the Gallery App.
Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) - Redundant Announcements: We've streamlined ChromeVox announcements during OOBE updates. The progress indicator is now hidden from screen readers to prevent redundant announcements like Progress indicator, min 0 max 100 and incorrect image announcements.
Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) - Focus Disruption: We've addressed an issue in OOBE where switching between personal and corporate account enrollment buttons with ChromeVox incorrectly shifted focus to the calendar. Focus now correctly remains on the updated screen or dialog.
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